Each Friday, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.
The Hot Five is a weekly feature created by the Heavy Table and supported by Shepherd Song Farm.
Mango Sticky Rice at On’s Thai
Is this the best mango sticky rice in St. Paul … ? We’re thinking so. On’s Kitchen Thai Restaurant serves up perfectly ripe mango and dense, toothsome, lovely sticky rice to round out a meal of excellent savory dishes.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from an Instagram post by James Norton]
Apple Streusel Pie at Dave the Pie Guy in Kingfield
Apple streusel is the top-selling pie at Dave’s, and it’s a beautiful example of its type. Dave Hulett always uses a variety of apples for the filling — in this case Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious — to get the right flavor and texture. the apples were warm and fragrant, and the streusel had a tender crunch. This is a one-man cafe run by a guy who lives and breathes pie, and Hulett’s dedication shows in the result.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Jane Rosemarin]
The Salty Tart’s Banana Cream Pie
The banana cream pie made by The Salty Tart has all the elements of the classic without any unwelcome modifications. It’s served as a miniature whole pie in an aluminum tin, adding to the nostalgia. We enjoyed ours at The Hasty Tasty, where a rotating selection of pies is available. This banana cream has an ideal balance of crumbly graham cracker crust, banana filling, and rich whipped cream. There are even some fresh banana pieces inside.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Paige Latham Didora]
The Japanese Combo Breakfast at JK’s Table in Edina
The Japanese Style Combo Breakfast at JK’s Table in Edina is traditional, something that you might eat at home or at a simple restaurant in Japan. The charm of a Japanese breakfast is that you can take a bite here and a bite there to experience the flavors in various combinations. JK’s version — which included rice, grilled mackerel, two salads, a daikon pickle, and miso soup — was delicate but filling.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from a review by Jane Rosemarin]
Mirror Universe Hazy IPA from Fair State
The latest local hazy IPA release (in a can, at least) is by Fair State, and it’s called Mirror Universe. It’s a bit wet-and-juicy, but it’s not a tidal wave, and while some hazy IPAs luxuriate in mango or pineapple richness, this one is comparatively restrained. There’s some bite and some astringency, but overall it’s a fairly minimalist example of its style, with a lingering but mellow bite that follows each sip. It’s reasonably strong at 7 percent ABV, but like most hazy IPAs, you’re not likely to pound this beer. It’s a sipper.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from a review by James Norton]